Course Section Information

Vocabulary as a Foundation for Learning (PreK-3)

Course Section Description:

In this facilitated course you will have exposure to cutting-edge research about how word learning shapes thinking, especially in our youngest learners. You will see that how we model, recognize and encourage use of sophisticated vocabulary has lasting effects on children’s cognition. You will learn the ins and outs of fostering good word consciousness among your students and will see how it is truly a precursor to vocabulary growth. You will explore book sharing routines that promote steadfast word learning, and have the opportunity to look critically at the books we read to and with children as resources for vocabulary exposure. You will step into the classroom of master teacher, Alicia Poulin, and watch as she inspires curiosity in her students and makes essential instructional choices about teaching specific words using PBS Kids digital learning resources. Participants will also look at ways to guide students toward independence as you teach them specific strategies for learning words on their own. Finally, you will learn to assess student’s vocabulary growth in a way that will inform your instruction and keep your teaching practice rigorous yet sensitive to the needs of your learners. Through readings, interactive activities, journal reflections and discussion questions, you will have the chance to collaborate with others while consistently being given the opportunity to reflect on your own accumulation of knowledge. The course was authored by Jeanne Paratore, Professor of Education and Coordinator of the Reading Education and Literacy and Language Education Programs at Boston University. She is a published expert in the field of emergent literacy, and a master lecturer who appears in the course’s video lecture segments.

Note: This is a facilitated course. Learners submit coursework and
participate in asynchronous discussions throughout the course term, and
receive graded feedback.

The number of hours identified for each course reflects time spent online, but does not
reflect the total time spent completing offline coursework and assignments. All learners
are different and you will likely spend double the indicated number of hours completing all
coursework depending on your learning style and work habits.

Graduate Credit Information:

Graduate credit may be obtained from the provider(s) listed below, for an additional fee after the course begins.